Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Between 8 October and 16 October 2015, the National IHR Focal Points of Brazil and Colombia notified PAHO/WHO of cases of Zika virus infection.

Brazil

In May 2015, the public health authorities of Brazil confirmed autochthonous transmission of Zika virus in the northeastern part of the country. As of 8 October, autochthonous cases of Zika virus had been detected in 14 states: Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Pará, Paraná, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Roraima, and São Paulo.

Colombia

As of 16 October, 9 samples were laboratory-confirmed as Zika virus infections out of 98 samples from the Bolívar department (13 from Cartagena and 85 from Turbaco). These are the first cases of Zika virus infection detected in the country.

Background

Zika fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Zika virus, consisting of mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia, and non-purulent conjunctivitis, occurring about three to twelve days after the mosquito vector bite. One out of four people may not develop symptoms, but in those who are affected the disease is usually mild with symptoms that can last between two and seven days. Its clinical manifestation is often similar to dengue, also a mosquito-borne illness.
Since 2014, indigenous circulation of Zika virus has been detected in the Americas. In February 2014, the public health authorities of Chile confirmed the first case of indigenous transmission of Zika virus infection on Easter Island, and cases were reported until June 2014. Recent outbreaks of Zika virus fever in different regions of the world demonstrate the potential for the arbovirus to spread through territories where the (Aedes) vector is found.Source: WHO: Zika virus infection – Brazil and Colombia

Friday, October 23, 2015

As health systems around the world get stronger and more vaccines are available to more communities, it can be easy to grow complacent and forget that this absence of disease is the result of ongoing efforts that must be sustained. The most destructive Ebola outbreak in history provides a valuable reminder of the terrible toll of epidemic infectious diseases. Earlier this year, Germany and the United States experienced their first measles deaths in years and just last month, polio crept back into Ukraine. Now, as governments and heroic health workers continue working to treat ill patients while increasing efforts to reach more communities with vaccines, global attention may be tempted to shift elsewhere.

But it shouldn't.

Yellow fever—a disease with a storied past, highly problematic present, and the ability to cross international borders rapidly—currently threatens 900 million people in 46 endemic countries in Africa and Central and South America. For communities in these countries, it is a constant fear that an infected mosquito could transmit the virus at any time. Fear of yellow fever is well earned. Up to 13 percent of people affected by severe yellow fever die, and there is no treatment to cure those it inflicts.

Unlike other diseases afflicting tropical regions like malaria, HIV, Ebola and others, we thankfully have had an effective vaccine against yellow fever since the 1930s. This vaccine is the best way to prevent yellow fever and keep people safe from its deadly symptoms, possibly for life.

The problem is that our supply of the vaccine is in jeopardy.

The world is facing a supply shortage of the yellow fever vaccine—and the consequences of this scarcity could be devastating. Demand for the vaccine, as forecasted by UNICEF for 2015 through 2017, averages 64 million doses per year—exceeding the amount currently predicted to be supplied by 42 percent. The unsustainable combination of increased demand coinciding with limited supply has set alarm bells ringing for global organizations like WHO; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance;UNICEF; and PATH—and has propelled them to search for ways to protect vulnerable populations.

For a disease that endangers so many, you might be surprised to learn that there are only four manufacturers of yellow fever vaccine in the entire world. Given the present lack of demand for the vaccine outside international travelers and military markets, the vaccine does not command a high price in low and middle-income countries—incentivizing few new manufacturers to enter the market.

Moreover, the process of actually producing the vaccine is complex and requires extreme precision. The procedure involves incubating germ-free chicken eggs, followed by manually injecting the embryos with a live virus, and then painstakingly formulating the vaccine's components through an intricate series of steps. Even the tiniest deviation from the method can render an entire batch unusable.

Fortunately, the four manufacturers that comprise the current market—located in Brazil, Senegal, Russia and France—have spent decades honing and perfecting the manufacturing process.

At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we view supporting these proven manufacturers as the world's surest shot at increasing supply—and preventing a widespread yellow fever outbreak. For example, we are supporting the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal by providing funds to support training for their technicians and refurbishment of their existing facility. Our goal is to ensure that this manufacturer can more efficiently produce a greater volume of vaccines, and thereby safeguard more people from yellow fever.

Today, 21st century transformations like climate change, urbanization and international travel mean that yellow fever can reach further, faster. We know from other disease pandemics that our best defense against a nimble virus is a vaccine that works. With an effective yellow fever vaccine in hand, we're already at an advantage. By supporting vaccine manufacturers to continue to improve their vaccine production and meet demand, we're even stronger.

With continued global attention, we can ensure that all people—no matter where they live—have access to the life-saving vaccines they need to live a healthy and productive life.

Comment: Great article.Vaccine shortages have hurt many countries and caused pani situations in the large number of visitors travleing t0 African countries for business reasons as well. A recent shortage in 2013 in Inddia, lead to a large number of yellow fever vaccinations being taken in private clinics like the Travelsafe clinic in India. It is anticipated that furtehr Yellow Fever vaccination shortages are likely in 2015 - 2016 as well,Travelers are recommended to make sure that they remian updated with their Yellow Fever vaccination requirements as the validity is currently for 10 years.Dr Gupta, MD, travel Health Expert, TravelSafe Clinics, India

Friday, October 16, 2015

.If you are going to be traveling in an unknown country, you need to get up to speed on the current political and social climates to prepare yourself.

Cape Town - Travelling on African roads can be a concern for those who are not familiar with them, but Slade Thompson, Executive for Commercial and Licensees at Avis Budget southern Africa has some helpful tips to help you on your way.

Check your credit cards

Always ensure that the country you are visiting does accept your credit card. While most credit cards are accepted, it wouldn’t be fun to make it all the way to your destination only to be declined at the doorstep.

Yellow Fever

It is always a good idea to check the Yellow Fever requirements for each specific country as they can vary. This is a cautionary measure taken by most nations and it is wise to know how stringent the country you’re visiting is in this regard. This information can be easily sourced online, so make sure to do your research on requirements.

Don’t worry about airports

Africa may be considered part of the third world, but travellers can be pleasantly surprised by the quality of airports, especially in southern Africa. The quality of airports is quite high and many regions have new airports under construction.

Watch the roads

There are varying degrees of road quality between regions. Whether its potholes, road signs or dirt roads, you need to arm yourself with an awareness of the land. Don’t be afraid to ask your rental agent to advise you on travelling in the country you are driving in. If the roads are considered dangerous, consider renting a larger vehicle like an SUV.

Always stick to the speed limit. These regulations exist for a reason and on uncertain roads, it pays to have the time to swerve out of the way of oncoming obstacles that could lead to an accident.

Sign your waivers

It is for the above reasons that we always recommend you sign any extra waivers offered to you in your country of rental. Each country will have different options, but rather be safe than sorry as you don’t want to be stuck without cover.

The language barrier

One of the complaints we often get is that our representatives are not fluent in English. The fact is that these are not English speaking countries and that every one of our staff will try their best to help you in English. We do try to hire people with multilingual capabilities, but they are few and far between in the African service industry.

Keep your tank full

Always try to ensure that your petrol tank is always topped up wherever possible. Quite often, you have to travel long distances without a filling station in between.

Book in advance

The truth is that rental fleets tend to be smaller in African countries, so don’t expect there to be availability at the door. You need to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, which is generally around August to October.

Prepare to pay more

The cost of renting could differ substantially between countries. Every region has different levies on vehicle purchases and the availability of parts is often a problem, meaning it costs a lot more to get parts to that country.

Do your research

If you are going to be Travelling in an unknown country, you need to get up to speed on the current political and social climates to prepare yourself. Not only this, but driving in some of these countries can tend to be overwhelming for some drivers as road etiquette can be wildly different and ruthless compared to the seemingly tough streets of a busy South African metropolitan.

Crossing borders

If you do need to rent a vehicle and also cross borders, this could create some complications. At Avis, cross border travel options can be made available upon request. When it comes to border posts, local rental agents can advise on what the best option is.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Question : Hello,I am 30 years old and i am not sure if i was given DTP in my childhood. From couple of months i am facing sysmtoms related to running nose, pain in neck, shortning of breathe some time, snoring during sleeping, dry cough, regular sore throat. Do you recommend me for TDAP. Although i am fit and fine and capable of doing all work.If yes plz suggest vaccination center from where i can avail this in Delhi.Answer:You should certainly take a TdaP vaccine. This is routinely recommended between above 10 years age, as a booster dose.

You can take it with any good pediatrician :)

You can also consider taking it at a Travel Health Clinic - there is one located in # 436, Sec 28 NOIDA - Dr Rishi Gupta - TravelSafe Clinic. You can contact him at 9810806594 for appointment.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Sana FaziliSRINAGAR: The government on Tuesday said it is taking all possible measures to control the spread of swine flu and dengue in the state.In this regard, minister for health Ch Lal Singh said that government launched awareness through media was raised to curb the dengue fever, yellow fever and swine flu while separate Out Patient Department have been set up in all district and sub district hospitals to control the contagious infection.He said SK Institute of Medical Sciences has been equipped with all the facilities including a lab to treat the category C of H1N1 influenza. He said such patients are kept in isolated wards keeping in consideration the contagious nature of swine flu, yellow fever and dengue fever.According to him, health officers have been issued advisories in this regard and anti-viral drugs have been stocked in all district and sub-district hospitals in “sufficient quantities”. However, the vaccines are yet to be procured, he said.“Doctors have also been deputed at the Srinagar airport to screen the hajj pilgrims for the infection,” he added.Similarly, 99 Sentinel Surveillance hospitals have been set up in Jammu region to “provide dengue test facilities”. “Preventive measures like spraying insecticides and fogging are also being carried out in infection prone areas of Jammu province,” Singh said.Source

About Me

I am a pediatrician based at Mohali, a suburb of chandigarh, North India. I have my own virtual office at www.charakclinics.com; I have been a pediatrician since 1994. I hope to make ths blog a regular feature with tonnes of relevant info for parents, especially in India, because i feel that "informed parents are better parents". My interests include research in OPD practice, specifically new vaccines and travel medicine. I am a member of American Academy of Pediatrics, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, and various travel organizations like International Society for Travel Medicine (ISTM), American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (ASTMH), International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT), and British & Global Travel Health Association (BGTHA)